NATIONALS SALE: Selig is likely to pick a new owner within a few days, and the team probably will change hands in June, the sport's No. 2 official said.

Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer, said Selig intends to have owners vote on the sale when they meet May 17-18 in New York. DuPuy also said a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Nationals' ballpark is likely to take place Thursday.

SABATHIA SOLID: Left-hander C.C. Sabathia could return soon to the Indians rotation after making 75 pitches in five strong innings in a rehabilitation start at Triple-A Buffalo. Sabathia strained an abdominal muscle on opening day.

WILSON ROCKED IN REHAB: Reds right-hander Paul Wilson, a former Devil Ray, allowed six runs, four earned, and 10 hits in seven innings for Class A Dayton in his first rehabilitation start since extensive shoulder surgery in June.

ROOKIE SIDELINED: Mets right-hander Brian Bannister was listed as day to day with a mildly strained right hamstring.

UMPS STRIKE: Striking minor-league umpires and management settled an unfair labor practice charge filed by the union after resuming bargaining this week following a layoff of 21/2 months. Umpires, who have been on strike all season, claimed the Professional Umpire Development Corp. threatened to fire employees who went on strike.